I successfully Replaced My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.

A runner

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.